Cleveland Cavaliers Team Report - March 27

(Basketball News) - The Cleveland Cavaliers hope to avoid their fifth consecutive loss this evening when they welcome the Atlantic Division-leading New Jersey Nets to Gund Arena.

Cleveland’s latest setback came on Friday, as it was dealt an 86-71 setback at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wachovia Center. LeBron James tallied team-highs with 16 points and seven assists for the Cavaliers, who had won seven straight prior to their current skid.

The loss also dropped Cleveland a half game behind Boston for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Cleveland, which will hit the road for three games following tonight’s contest, has dropped three at home and is 20-16 in its arena this season.

The Cavs have lost to the Nets twice already this season, but could have the advantage tonight, as the home team in this series has won six of the last seven meetings. New Jersey has also dropped four of its last six in Cleveland.